Africa-Press – Liberia. The launch began with a one-day orientation workshop in Monrovia, aimed at sensitizing stakeholders in Montserrado County about the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP).
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), in collaboration with key line ministries and international partners, has launched a major initiative aimed at promoting gender equality, reducing gender-based violence, and increasing access to education and economic opportunities for women and girls in six climate-vulnerable counties across Liberia.
The launch began with a one-day orientation workshop in Monrovia, aimed at sensitizing stakeholders in Montserrado County about the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), which is expected to benefit approximately 267,200 people in 498 communities, including 36,000 individuals who will receive livelihood grants.
MGCSP is the lead implementing agency, supported by the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education, Finance, and Internal Affairs. The project is being executed by a consortium of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) led by Plan International Liberia. Other consortium members include ActionAid Liberia, Catholic Relief Services, Medica Liberia, KEEP Liberia, Foundation for Community Initiatives (FCI), Defense for Children International (DCI), VIAMO, and Rising Voices.
Funded by the World Bank, the LWEP is valued at US$44.6 million, delivered through a combination of grants and loans. The initiative targets 70 percent women and 30 percent men from the participating counties.
Speaking at the opening of the orientation workshop, Madam Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, Executive Director of ActionAid Liberia, hailed the project as a transformative step toward dismantling inequality and empowering communities.
“This is a bold, transformative initiative designed to break cycles of inequality, promote women’s leadership, and empower communities at every level,” she said. “It’s not just about service delivery—it’s about structural change and grassroots empowerment.”
Madam Johnson stressed the strategic importance of Montserrado County, noting, “When Montserrado leads, the rest of the counties will follow.” She called on traditional leaders, educators, youth groups, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to lend their support, emphasizing that their leadership and cultural insight are essential to the project’s success.
Madam Lisa Diasay, a member of the Project Management Unit at the Ministry of Gender, told participants that the World Bank provided the funding, and urged beneficiary counties to maximize the opportunity to transform lives.
“This is not just free money,” she said. “The project is both a grant and a loan. The Government of Liberia will be responsible for repaying part of that loan over the coming years.”
Diasay emphasized the importance of coordination and collective vision, saying: “This is a space to align our efforts, build synergy, and create a shared vision for meaningful change in Montserrado County and the other five counties.”
Madam Kou Dorkago, Chairlady of Todee District in Lower Montserrado County, welcomed the project and described it as a “good start” for women in Montserrado and beyond. She urged beneficiaries to approach the initiative with respect and seriousness.
Joe Y. Gono, a member of the Montserrado County Education Council, expressed optimism, saying: “For us from the Ministry of Education, we see ourselves as beneficiaries. This project will help our children go to school.” He also highlighted the challenge of economic hardship in rural areas, pledging the Ministry’s support.
Patrick F. Wee, Coordinator of the Montserrado Chapter of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), praised the World Bank’s support and commended the project’s emphasis on transparency.
“We believe this project will benefit our young women,” he said. “The President of FLY is happy that young people are represented.”
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